Lionel Messi deserves Ballon d’Or 2026: Simeone picks Argentine over Mbappe, Yamal

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has backed Lionel Messi for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after Argentina's World Cup campaign. Messi remains among the leading contenders despite announcing his international retirement after the tournament.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has backed Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, putting the Argentina captain ahead of the other leading names in contention. Simeone believes Messi’s performance at the 2026 World Cup gives him a strong case for the award.

Simeone was speaking ahead of Atletico Madrid’s upcoming La Liga clash against Osasuna when he was asked about the Ballon d’Or race. The discussion had intensified after Lamine Yamal backed himself and Kylian Mbappe as the two best players in the world, but Simeone had a different choice.

“Messi, without a doubt,” Simeone told reporters. “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi.”

Simeone’s argument centres on Messi’s contribution to Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina eventually finished runners-up after losing to Spain, but Messi remained a key figure for Lionel Scaloni’s side throughout the tournament.

The World Cup was expected to mark the end of Messi’s international career. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from Argentina duty on August 31, saying he felt it was time for a new generation to have its opportunity.

However, Messi will have one more appearance in the Argentina shirt. He has been included in the squad for three upcoming friendlies, but the AFA has confirmed that his farewell appearance will come against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Argentina will first face Bolivia in CÃ³rdoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. Messi is set to feature only in the October 6 fixture, which will serve as his official farewell.

YAMAL, MBAPPE, DEMBELE AND OTHERS IN THE MIX

Simeone’s backing comes in a Ballon d’Or race featuring several prominent contenders. Yamal has made his case after Spain’s World Cup triumph, while Mbappe remains part of the conversation following another prolific campaign with Real Madrid.

Ousmane Dembele is looking to retain the award after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also among the prominent names in contention. Messi, meanwhile, is seeking a ninth Ballon d’Or after winning his eighth in 2023.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, when the winner will be announced.